Please note that a strong internal candidate has been identified.

PRIMARY PURPOSE:
To contribute to student success by addressing the mental health needs of students through the provision of timely and accessible counselling and outreach programs to students.

NATURE OF WORK:
Counsellors report to the Director of Student Health and Wellbeing and receive clinical supervision from the Counselling Clinical Lead.  Individual counselors vary in the primary focus of their work in the areas of counselling. They must be able to work in a confidential environment with individuals who are often highly distressed and who frequently need to be assessed and monitored for risk of suicide.  This position is based on the USask Prince Albert Campus.

The University of Saskatchewan values diversity and Indigenous engagement is a strategic priority. It is expected that all team members develop a solid understanding of the University’s Indigenous engagement and Indigenization priorities and recognize and support the importance and value of diversity.

ACCOUNTABILITIES: Counsellors' responsibilities include the following:

Manage an appropriate caseload in a clinically effective manner (i.e., in accordance with professional expectations of the clinician’s respective discipline) Share in the responsibility to provide timely initial assessments and follow-up treatment to students Conduct intake interviews with new clients and assess their mental health functioning, risk indicators, and treatment needs Provide follow-up services, such as psychotherapy (individual, couple, or group), psycho-educational programs, administrative interventions, and referrals Perform urgent risk assessment of students who present in crisis, at risk of harm to self or others, and develop plans for risk and crisis management.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
Doctoral or Masters in Psychology, Education or Social Work are preferred. Registration with the appropriate professional association and eligibility for professional liability insurance is a requirement of this position.

Experience:
Five years as a registered clinician with post-graduate experience in the areas of assessment and psychotherapy is preferred.  A sound knowledge of student development, diversity and multicultural issues is required.  Experience performing urgent risk assessments and crisis intervention related to mental health and suicide is required. Knowledge of the University of Saskatchewan and Prince Albert community resources would be an asset.

Skills:

Strong counselling skills, particularly in the area of brief treatment with primarily a young adult population Advanced abilities to conduct clinical interventions and treatment that are informed by a strong working knowledge of psychopathology and assessment Advanced ability to assess risk of harm to self and violence to others Demonstrates commitment to working respectfully on a team that values and draws on a breadth of clinical perspectives Must be a strong self-starter, enjoy working independently, and be capable of creating and maintaining healthy and productive relationships with colleagues and community members.